Cautious start to transfer window forecasts Jacko

Johnnie Jackson reckons that the rise in Covid 19 cases will make clubs cautious about letting players go at the start of the January transfer window.   It will be a difficult window, but there have been discussions about where the squad needs strengthening: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-expecting-cautious-opening-to-january-transfer-window/

Euell should become permanent No.2

Johnnie Jackson is full of praise for the way in which Jason Euell has filled the caretaker assistant manager role, but who gets the job in the longer run is the subject of 'ongoing discussions'.  Most Charlton fans would be happy for Euell to get the job on a permanent basis: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-johnnie-jackson-says-talks-are-ongoing-regarding-assistant-manager-role-at-the-valley/

The coaching team are a coach light which is stretching them according to Jackson.

Crouch and Parry get involved in women's team row

Ramsgate: Rick Everitt reports that Voice of The Valley has learned that former sports minister and chair of the fan-led football governance review Tracey Crouch MP has spoken with Thomas Sandgaard about his intention to change the name of the women’s team.

One of her review’s recommendations was that club owners should not be able to change club names unilaterally.  [I thought that was intended to apply to the main team name, e.g., changing Charlton Athletic to Greenwich Royals].

We have also been told that EFL chair Rick Parry has been involved in discussions with Sandgaard on the move, which has been opposed by the female players, CAS Trust and members of the fans’ forum, including the fans’ adviser appointed by the owner himself.

For some fans this is a storm in a teacup, for others a matter of principle.   I still don’t really understand what Sandgaard thought the benefits of a name change would be, all it has done is stirred up a needless controversy.

Sandgaard has made it clear that it is 'full steam ahead' with the name change despite 'some noise from the side'.  However, the Comms Department have been rapped over the knuckles for handling the news in a 'clumsy' manner: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/thomas-sandgaard-name-change-for-charlton-athletic-women-is-still-happening/

Squad options look good for Saturday

Charlton look like being close to full strength for the New Year's Day game against Wycombe Wanderers at The Valley, while Sam Lavelle is close to a return to training: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-confident-of-healthy-squad-options-for-wycombe-wanderers/

The Chairboys lost 1-0 at Ipswich last night.  Manager Gareth Ainsworth was absent due to a positive Covid test.

Jackson reacts to Wombles

Johnnie Jackson has responded to demands by Wimbledon's chief executive who demanded that the EFL take measures against teams like Charlton who do not fulfill fixtures because of Covid.   He understands their disappointment, but says that the postponement was unavoidable: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-johnnie-jackson-reacts-to-afc-wimbledon-statement/

Target seen as 'luxury player'

A rather mixed assessment of Rotherham winger Kieran Sadlier who has been linked with Charlton but also Portsmouth and Bolton Wanderers.  Apparently he has zero pace and doesn't try to win the ball back if he loses it, but there are also positives: https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/football/portsmouth-fc/hes-almost-a-luxury-player-insiders-rotherham-united-verdict-on-reported-portsmouth-charlton-athletic-and-bolton-wanderers-target-ahead-of-january-window-3509826

Ged Roddy and the 'Peter Principle'

The 'Peter Principle' essentially says that people get promoted to their level of incompetence.  Ged Roddy has demonstrated this by landing a job at Fifa which allows him to put a gloss on his departure from Charlton: https://trainingground.guru/articles/roddy-resigns-as-charlton-technical-director-to-join-fifa?

Wombles boss demands tough EFL measures against Charlton

AFC Wimbledon's chief executive has called on the EFL to take tough measures against clubs like Charlton who have been unable to field a matchday squad because of Covid-19, claiming that the Wombles have done a better job of containing Covid.   Much is made of the club's small budget as he pursues his 'hard done by' theme: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/dons-chief-executive-demands-tougher-measures-from-efl-after-charlton-and-portsmouth-matches-postponed/

The 'strongly worded' Wimbledon letter is here: https://www.afcwimbledon.co.uk/news/2021/december/club-statement2/

The statement has received a mixed reaction from fans: https://fanbanter.co.uk/afc-wimbledon-receive-mixed-reaction-after-issuing-strong-statement-to-the-efl/?fbclid=IwAR0lVEMX7LsQzW4B2clEtSbrVNyohNvHzCpado9OqdHV3rMnEGqDyrVmOcY

Getting ready for the transfer window

An in depth Christmas interview with Johnnie Jackson who says that you have to be full blast at the job of manager.  He talks about all the congratulations he received on his appointment: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/you-have-to-be-full-blast-at-it-johnnie-jackson-on-managerial-life-achieving-his-goal-of-being-charlton-boss-and-making-plans-for-january-transfer-window/

He discusses plans for the January transfer window, stating: 'It’s not the most straight-forward of window. We have highlighted certain positions we feel we can maybe strengthen and add a couple. We have to be careful about the size of the squad and whether that means a couple have to go or a couple go on loan. The recruitment team have been working on lists of potential targets.'

Seasons greetings

Banner signed by Curbs

Best wishes to all readers for Christmas and a better 2022.   Johnnie Jackson becoming manager was the really positive news of 2021 and there is still the possibility of reaching the play offs.

Fans forum ranges across many issues

The full minutes from the fans' forum at the beginning of December are now available.   They cover a huge range of topics, but one revelation that surprised me was that some turnstiles were stripped for parts several years ago!  Minutes here: https://www.cafc.co.uk/uploads/eba9fd1726d530b86f99fbfd539efbc7

Success on the pitch will guide Jacko's contract renewals

Thomas Sandgaard has confirmed that Johnnie Jackson's automatic contract renewals are tied to final league position.  He says that it is 'fairly generous' in Jackson's favour, 'but I don't want to be stuck with it long term if it turns out long term that wasn't right: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-owner-reveals-what-triggers-contract-renewals-in-johnnie-jacksons-deal/

Sandgaard praised Jackson's performance as caretaker, particularly his decisive substitutions, and says that he decided that he wanted him to carry on in the role a month before it was formalised, but the legal details took more time than they should have done.

The fall of Ged Roddy

Ged Roddy is no longer a full-time employee at Charlton and is operating on a consultancy basis.  Thomas Sandgaard said, 'We are still trying to figure out his specific tasks.'  (Suggestions welcome)  Johnnie Jackson said: 'I wish him all the best into whatever he goes into': https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/exclusive-martin-sandgaard-appointed-charlton-athletics-director-of-analysis/

One speculative interpretation of events is that Roddy did not want JJ as manager and lost out.

Thomas's son Martin may have other duties added to his director of analysis task, but at the moment he and his small team are busy assessing 12.000 players.   One fan has called him the new Thomas Driesen, but I am sure he won't be munching his way through pizzas late into the night.

Boxing Day game off

Charlton's Boxing Day game at Wimbledon has been called off because of the number of Covid-19 cases among the squad.  The Sparrows Lane training ground was closed at the beginning of the week: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/afc-wimbledon-charlton-is-off-addicks-have-a-number-of-positive-covid-19-cases/

The fixture had attracted considerable interest from the Addickted with another 40 tickets being released.  A number of Charlton fans had purchased tickets among the Wombles.

The Gillingham game on the 29th may also be in doubt.   Given increasing evidence of the relative lack of severity of the Omacron variant, there may not be stringent lockdown measures, but the question may be whether either club can field a full team.

More Covid cases hit Charlton

With the Omicron variant hitting London particularly hard, Charlton have been hit by more Covid-19 cases, but are working hard to ensure that their Boxing Day meeting with the Wombles goes ahead.  Johnnie Jackson only found out about the three players affected at a late stage before the Plymouth game and this disrupted preparations: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-have-more-covid-19-cases-but-working-to-get-boxing-day-match-at-afc-wimbledon-on/

In further comments, Johnnie Jackson has said that it's 'a really delicate situation' with cases among players and staff: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/johnnie-jackson-on-covid-19-cases-disrupting-his-match-plans-for-charltons-fixture-at-afc-wimbledon/

Louis Mendez has pointed out that the reduction in self-isolation to seven days could help in the cases of Akin Famewo and Conor Washington.

Recalling the 7-6 win

Recalling the 7-6 victory over Huddersfield on this day in 1957 - from a Huddersfield perspectrive: https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/football/news/charlton-7-6-huddersfield-town-12355401

Unfortunately we decided to go Christmas shopping in Woolwich that day!

Inniss wasn't meant to come, let alone start

Johnnie Jackson has said of the Plymouth game: 'It wasn’t even my intention to bring Inniss with us. He was going to stay behind and play for the u23s but losing Akin, losing Deji to an injury as well, I felt like I needed to bring him along.'

Louis Mendez of the SLP commented: 'Inniss was nowhere near ready to start, he wasn't even supposed to be on the bench but injury to Deji and Akin being out forced Jacko's hand.'

Mendez added, 'We badly missed Purrington at LWB yesterday. We're so lopsided going forward when he's required to sit in the back-three. Put everything on DJ and he was snuffed out fairly comfortably after the opening 20 mins or so. I want to see The Cat on the prowl.'

Changing of the guard at Charlton

Ged Roddy will focus on the academy and the women's team in future with Thomas Sandgaard' son Martin taking the lead in recruitment: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/thomas-sandgaards-son-takes-on-role-in-charlton-transfer-recruitment-process-with-ged-roddy-focused-on-womens-team-and-academy/

Defeat in Devon

A goal in time added on in the first half saw Charlton lose 1-0 at Plymouth Argyle this afternoon.

Thomas Sandgaard described it as a 'tough loss.  A decent start, but unfortunately we let them back in the game.'

There were three Covid cases for the Addicks. Washington and Famewo were missing from the team - Davison not on the bench. Souare and DJ into the starting line-up. Inniss and Gunter back on the bench.

Argyle top scorer Ryan Hardie forced Charlton keeper Craig MacGillivray to go full stretch to keep out his angled goal-bound shot. The ball rebounded to Hardie's strike partner Agard, who scored with a superb measured grass-cutter in off a post from the edge of the box.

Hardie and playmaker Danny Mayor both tested MacGillivray in the second half, which was a much livelier affair than the tepid first half.  Hardie looked as though he was set to double Argyle's lead midway through the second half but blazed his final shot on the run over the bar after skipping past the  offside trap.

Mayor was a continual thorn in Charlton's side in the second half but their best opportunity was clipped just wide by Agard at the far post as he latched on to Jordan Houghton's cross from the left.

Former Argyle player Ben Purrington bounced a cross off the bar in the 86th minute as Charlton pressed for a leveller. 

Charlton had 59 per cent possession, but eight shots on target to twelve from Argyle.

Johnnie Jackson said he was disappointed with the performance, 'I didn't think we did enough on the day', although Charlton were knocking on the door at the end.   They deserved to win in the end. I don't think we played the conditions particularly well, it's blowy here.  We didn't test their goalie.  Our decision-making wasn't good enough.'

Souare's performance attracted criticism from fans while Kirk also disappointed.

Strike partnership works for Stockley

Jayden Stockley says that his strike partnership with Conor Washington will go from 'strength to strength', although in the past he has been a lone striker and partnerships have not always worked for him.  He also discusses his sending off, reckoning that referee Trevor 'Steaming' Kettle was in a bit of a daze and lost control of the first half: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/you-gotta-have-faith-jayden-stockley-on-burgeoning-strike-partnership-with-conor-washington-and-being-dropped-by-former-boss-nigel-adkins/

Mason Burstow's rapid rise

Mason Burstow has had a meteoric rise at Charlton, and is a great hope for the future, but it hasn't been all plain sailing.  He has benefited from the expertise of Academy staff and the advice of senior players: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/the-inside-story-on-charlton-athletic-signing-mason-burstow-and-his-rapid-progression-to-the-first-team-ranks/

Jacko is permanent supremo

Johnnie Jackson has been appointed permanent manager of Charlton: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-fans-favourite-johnnie-jackson-appointed-permanent-boss/

His contract will renew at the end of each season.

Argyle manager relishes first home tie

New Plymouth Argyle boss Steven Schumacher is excited about his first home game with the Pilgrims after some taxing travel for the Green Army.  He may be hoping for a new manager bounce: https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/sport/football/excited-steven-schumacher-relishing-first-6364872

His brief is to continue the work Ryan Lowe began.  'Schuie' said: 'We want to have continuity and look as if we have a clear identity in terms of how we play and conduct ourselves on the pitch.'

Following their recent dip, Plymouth are fourth from bottom in the form table while Charlton are in fifth place.  At home Plymouth have won six, drawn three and lost just two.

As Plymouth's form has deteriorated, there was 'serious disorder' at Home Park: https://castrust.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=47ab8cc58db1fe6727e9ed9c2&id=3695b5ba9a&e=97ed1d02c3

Charlton keeper joins Seagulls

17-year old Charlton keeper James Beadle has joined Brighton and Hove Albion.   Chelsea were also interested, but the Seagulls won the race: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/brighton-set-to-complete-deal-for-charlton-athletic-keeper-james-beadle/

We were unable to secure a contract with him as in the cases of Burstow and Elerewe, but apparently we have got a good deal including a share of any future transfers as he realises his potential.

As Richard Cawley comments, 'Can't win them all unfortunately.'

Jacko sees Covid-19 threat to games

Saturday's game at Plymouth Argyle is still on, but caretaker boss Johnnie Jackson is aware that Covid-19 may lead to matches being called off with the Toolbox already affected: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/its-a-real-threat-charlton-caretaker-boss-johnnie-jackson-on-covid-19-outbreaks-forcing-postponements/

Charlton are still in the FA Cup and the pizza trophy, so fixture congestion could become a real issue.

January loan market likely to be quiet

Thomas Sandgaard has talked about using the loans market in January, but fewer loans than usual may be available.   

The chairman of a leading Premier League club told The Athletic this week that they are already considering putting a block on fringe players going out on loan in January.  Although bringing in loan signings takes away the worry about making a longer-term financial commitment, everything points to there being a small pool of players to choose from because of the impact of COVID-19 on top of injuries, and how concerned managers are about squad depth.

Preventing fringe players from going out on loan next month is far easier than recalling loanees, even if it runs the risk of upsetting some, either by reneging on verbal agreements that were made earlier in the season with youngsters, or by denying frustrated first-team players the regular football they crave.

Premier League loans may not be that relevant for Charlton.  Realistically, it is Championship clubs who stand to miss out most from Premier League clubs being more protective over their players. That said, it could have a ripple effect further down the EFL, given that some Championship clubs will be reluctant to let under-23 players join League One and League Two clubs if they haven’t strengthened themselves.

Of course, Charlton will also want to loan some players out, ranging from first team fringe players to Academy hopefuls.   The context described above may help there.

Injury prone player makes small steps to start

Injury prone Ryan Inniss is set to make a tentative return with the Under 23s next week: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-defender-set-to-make-playing-return-from-injury-next-week/

When he will be fit to play in the first team remains to be seen, but it will be bench warming duties for a while with Pearce and Famewo settled in.

He's a talented player, but it wasn't a good buy.

Jacko wants 500 games in charge not just 10

Johnnie Jackson has made the best start of any Charlton manager, but he is not getting carried away with it - and he wants to be manager for 500 game not just 10: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/flattering-johnnie-jackson-on-making-best-ever-start-of-any-charlton-athletic-boss/

Give him the job and give fans an early Christmas present.

Pearce wants Jackson solution

Jason Pearce hopes that the future of Johnnie Jackson as manager can be 'put to bed' so that the club can focus on moving forwards: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/jason-pearce-hopes-to-see-issue-of-caretaker-johnnie-jacksons-future-put-to-bed-so-charlton-can-move-on/

Pearce hopes that Charlton slowly move up the table so that they are in the play offs or thereabouts by the end of the season.

Jackson says that a fatigued Charlton managed to find a way to get past Cambridge United.   The midweek game against Ipswich had taken its toll and the U's offered more as opponents: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/tired-charlton-found-a-way-to-win-against-cambridge-united-jason-pearce/

Sandgaard discloses January plans

Thomas Sandgaard gave these quotes to Richard Cawley a month ago about the January transfer window but they are nevertheless interesting.   He says that the size of the squad is about right.  Trying to improve the quality of the midfield in the summer, which we did, may now mean that it is overloaded: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-owner-thomas-sandgaard-on-january-transfer-window/

The plan is to bring in young up-and-coming players who can be developed, plus perhaps one or at most two loan players.   Lyle Taylor anyone?  Not for me.  This also implies that a new striker will not be signed, but it is difficult to get value in January.  I would be interested in Colby Bishop from Accrington in the summer.

The big question is who will be the manager advising on the signings, I would have thought we would have a decision by now.   Sandgaard was right to be initially cautious because of the new manager bounce phenomenon, but Jackson has now proved himself to players and fans.

Jackson hoping for a decision

Johnnie Jackson is hoping for clarity over his permanent role as the January transfer window approaches so that discussions can begin.  He says that he has never seen League One as strong as it is this year: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/johnnie-jackson-hopes-for-clarity-over-permanent-role-soon-with-transfer-window-approaching/

In his four takeaways Louis Mendez says that Charlton found a different way to win against another East Anglian team.   Washington was clinical and MacGillivay excellent: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-2-0-win-over-cambridge-addicks-found-a-way-to-win/

Charlton battle for three points

Charlton battled away in horrible conditions at The Valley today to beat Cambridge United 2-0.  It wasn't a classic performance by Charlton, but the three points were secured with another clean sheet in the last home game before Christmas.

Charlton are now 11th, but are six points behind MK Dons in 9th and eight points from the play offs.

The first ten minutes or so were indecisive.  Dunk, at one time a trialist at Charlton, was booked for a foul on Leko.   The free kick was slightly overhit by Lee.

Charlton had to concede a corner to through Lee to avert danger.   The game remained rather scrappy.  Charlton had lacked composure at times and allowed Cambridge easy possession.  

Heavy rain continued.  A shot by Smith went just wide.   May received a yellow card as he took one for the team to stop Gilbey.

On the half hour mark after Gilbey put in a good cross to Washington who scored with a great finish, his sixth of the season. He got the shot away before anyone could put in a block.   The match needed a goal.

Charlton did well to get bodies back after Williams got past Famewo.  Gilbey won a free kick. 

Famewo was booked after he stepped across Smith.    Stockley headed away from a corner.   Dobson did well to prevent a Cambridge break.   Clare did well to clear the ball.   Jason Pearce was in a battle with Cambridge top scorer, the physical Ironside.

Three minutes were added on.   Ironside caught Pearce having led with his arm and the roundhead received a yellow card.  Digby was incensed that Stockley was incensed.  The referee spoke to the assistant.   Both of them received yellow cards, giving a total of five for the half.

Lee won a corner for Charlton, but a free kick was given to Cambridge.

It had been a scrappy half.   Steve Brown thought that Cambridge had caught Charlton by surprise a bit, they were edging it.  They moved the ball well and had a good set up.  There was not the fluidity of Tuesday night.  There may be some tiredness because of Tuesday. We barely had any moves where we had five, six, seven passes. We had struggled to create anything worthwhile.  Clean sheet mentality was everything.   That was the most animated he had seen Johnnie Jackson.

HT: 1-0

Dobson did well to get back for Charlton and win the ball as Cambridge came at Charlton in the wintry conditions, the rain continuing.   After a pass from Clare, Washington put in a shot that was deflected.  The corner, taken short, led to a goal kick.

Clare fouled Brophy and got a yellow card as Cambridge players surrounded the referee and called for him to be sent off.   The free kick was in a dangerous position.  Gilbey cleared it away.

Leko drilled in an effort that was saved.   As Charlton rebuilt, Gilbey had to stall his run because he was worried about being offside.

Dunk went down holding his face after contact with Washington who got booked, the eighth yellow card of a fractious game.   The interruption slowed Charlton's momentum.

May shot and MacGillivray made a good save.   A shot by Washington was blocked as the game went end to end.   The atmosphere in The Valley was building with a torrent of noise.

Purrington missed the ball but Williams put in a tame shot after a moment of panic.  Leko showed great control, but the cross was cleared away.    MacGillivray came out to deny the angle from Smith and stop an equaliser.   DJ came on in place of Leko to provide fresh legs.

Pearce was forced to concede a corner, it would have been too risky to clear.   Purrington went down holding his left side.   He had to be taken off as a precaution bearing in mind future games and Souare came on.

Pearce fouled Ironside and received the ninth yellow card of the game.   Cambridge made a change, Gibbs coming on.   Smith ran forward and got past Souare but put the ball just wide of the post.

Famewo shielded the ball well from the lively Smith.   Pearce did well against Ironside.  

In the 88th minute Washington made it 2-0 after Souare put in a decent cross.   Washington dragged it back out to give a little more space.

Three minutes were added on.   Stockley put in a shot that went just over the bar as Souare found freedom on the left and put in a cross.  Washington advanced but couldn't get past two players, denying him a third.

Johnnie Jackson is now the most successful manager in Charlton history in the first ten games, a 70 per cent record.

Steve Brown said the performance was flat, but it was six points from six.  The opposition created chances and didn't take them, we did.   Charlton had been resilient when we had to be.   Graham Stuart said that Charlton were a hard side to beat.

Steve Brown said that Cambridge do make life difficult for you, they have some good players.   There were a couple of potential penalty calls.

Craig MacGillivray said it was a scrappy game.   We all enjoy defending, it means a lot us as a team, we want to keep clean sheets.  We all fight for each other.  If you're going to be a successful team you have to find different ways of winning.   The run we're on at the moment is very, very good but we're not getting ahead of ourselves.  

Steve Brown said that the keeper took a few games to settle in, but since then he had been outstanding.  The stats showed that it was a very tight game.

Johnnie Jackson said: 'Really pleased with the win, not as pretty as I would like, but a win's a win.  Conor and Jayden have a formidable partnership.   Conor is tireless in his work and his running.  You've got your keeper to thank, some big moments at 1-0, two real good chances where he's made some excellent saves.  Cambridge have a lot of quality at the top end of the pitch.  It was important that we kept eleven on the pitch, they showed some discipline, Sean Clare was on a yellow card and came up with some big tackles.  This is our last clear week for some time so we have to be careful how we train and recover.'

When not if for Jackson

It's a matter of when not if Johnnie Jackson loses the caretaker tag, argues Richard Cawley: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nobody-can-argue-that-johnnie-jackson-needs-to-lose-caretaker-tag-after-his-charlton-clean-up-job/

A decision certainly needs to be taken in time for the transfer window.

Cambridge want to enjoy the occasion

'Little Cambridge' want to be competitive and enjoy the occasion when they come to The Valley tomorrow.  They are full of praise for Johnnie Jackson: https://www.cambridgeindependent.co.uk/sport/little-cambridge-united-aiming-to-douse-on-fire-charlton-9229917/

Cambridge won 5-0 at Cheltenham on Tuesday.   It seems to have been in large part a below par performance by Cheltenham, but it shows that Cambridge can score goals.  They have now won three games away from home and drawn three.    If they weren't draw specialists at home, they might be higher up the table.

CAS Trust says that the first half of their season has been unpredictable and points out that it is nearly thirty years since our last encounter with them: https://www.castrust.org/2021/12/cambridge-unpredictable/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cambridge-unpredictable

Jackson stymied on new contracts for key players

Johnnie Jackson says that he cannot sort out the contract situations of Ben Purrington and Conor Washington until his own situation is resolved, which is another reason for taking a decision soon.  However, he says that they are very much part of his plans: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/johnnie-jackson-asked-about-contract-talks-for-charlton-duo-conor-washington-and-ben-purrington/

'The Cat' fell out of favour with Adkins and indeed with some Charlton fans who insisted he was useless.  However, Jackson sees him very much as a confidence player suited to the wing back role.

Stockley: we can still go up

Jayden Srockley is convinced that promotion is still possible for Charlton, despite the points gap to the top six: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/jayden-stockley-promotion-is-still-achievable-for-charlton-athletic/

Stockley discusses Tuesday's game, saying that Charlton went toe to toe with Ipswich.

An appeal has been issued for Macaulay Bonne and Joe Pigott who went missing in SE7 on Tuesday evening.  A Charlton spokesman said they had not been seen in the area on Tuesday evening, but Bonne was last seen in Kent trying to hit a barn door with a ball.

Gilbey wants Jackson as manager

Alex Gilbey is 'desperate' for Johnnie Jackson to be appointed manager, the latest senior player to endorse his candidacy: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/alex-gilbey-im-desperate-for-johnnie-jackson-to-be-appointed-charlton-athletics-permanent-manager-now/

It would be good if an announcement could be made at or before Saturday's game.

Gilbey is in a car share with Elliot Lee and George Dobson, perhaps reminiscent of the famous 1990s car share from the Brighton area involving Steve Brown and John Robinson among others: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/alex-gilbey-reveals-that-connection-with-midfield-partners-elliot-lee-and-george-dobson-extends-beyond-the-charlton-midfield/

Charlton bounce back

Charlton bounced back from the disappointment of Shrewsbury with a good performance and a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town at The Valley.

For the first portion of the first half the two sides cancelled each other out in a rather scrappy encounter.  There was little action in either box.

A Purrington cross was put over the bar by DJ.

Washington made a great run, the keeper saved but Stockley put the ball low and hard in the net on 26 minutes.

A lunging challenge on Gilbey led to a booking for Donacien.

Gilbey fed Stockley but the ball went across the goal.  

A Washington shot was blocked for a corner.   Stockley's free header went wide.

HT: Addicks 1, Tractors 0

An effort by Purrington was saved after Washington had turned provider.  It was a very good save.

Purrington put in a cross across goal, but there was no one there to receive it after a well constructed move by Charlton.

A header from Lee was just over the bar, Purrington having fed him.

Joe Pigott came on in place of Fraser on 64 minutes.  A shot by Lee was saved, another chance for Charlton.   Clare almost caught the keeper out in play following a corner.

Pearce got a yellow card for a foul.   DJ came off and Leko came on.   Aluko came off for Ipswich and Chaplin came on/  A great run by Gilbey led to a Charlton corner.

The keeper made yet another good save from Washington.   Following a free kick won by Purrington, Walton had to make another good save from Washington.

On 87 minutes Gilbey scored drilling the ball to the right hand side of the keeper.  The move started with great patience by Washington then Lee put the ball through and Gilbey evaded the defenders.

Four minutes were added on but Charlton were comfortable as the revving of reversing tractors echoed from the Jimmy Seed.   Addicks to Victory rang round The Valley.

Charlton made 18 attempts to eight, eight on target.

Curbs said you couldn't pick out a man of the match because there were so many.   It was a thumping 2-0 victory.   We never allowed Ipswich to get going after the first ten minutes.

Matt Holland said that Charlton were more positive in their passing and their play.

Jayden Stockley said: 'I feel great, a bit sore now.   There's always that fear at 1-0.  Both teams cancelled each other out a bit in the first 20 minutes, it needed that goal.  We played some really nice stuff.  In terms of clear cut chances we had a lot.   Our defence has been amazing, DJ put in a shift. We're coming into the best form of the season now as a unit.  Everyone feels part of it.  It was phenomenal to hear the Valley rocking.  Gilbey deserved that goal.  I want to finish my career here and look back on impressive numbers.'

Johnnie Jackson said: 'I'm really pleased, it was a wonderful night for us.  It was an even start.  Even before the goal we started to get on top.  We played some lovely football at times, we should have scored more goals.   We have to be more clinical.   Gilbey feels he should score more goals, which he should, but he's been outstanding for me.  We missed Jason Pearce.  There's going to be some tired lads after that game, we have to manage the training carefully.'

Ipswich's interim boss praised the job Johnnie Jackson is doing at Charlton: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/ipswich-town-interim-boss-mcgreal-complimentary-about-johnnie-jacksons-charlton/

Louis Mendez was full of praise for the Charlton performance in his four takeaways: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-2-0-win-over-ipswich-town-the-addicks-find-another-level/

Tractors head for happy hunting ground

Macauley Bonne will have a point to prove when he plays for Ipswich against Charlton at The Valley tonight.   Since joining the Tractors, he has found the barn door: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/macauley-bonne-may-have-extra-motivation-on-charlton-return-joe-pigott-also-has-strong-links-to-addicks/

The East Anglian press are billing this as 'the battle of the caretakers', but admit that it is 'now or never' time as the Tractors seek to get out of the mud and into gear.   Ipswich have not lost at The Valley since 2008 and have won four and drawn once since then: https://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/ipswich-town/charlton-athletic-v-ipswich-town-preview-8543910

Ipswich have won three games away, drawn one and lost five.    Charlton are 7th in the form table and Ipswich are 13th.

Jackson pleased with pizza choice

Johnnie Jackson is pleased with the Papa Johns home draw against Milton Keynes Dons as Charlton continue their bid to reach Wembley: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-gives-his-verdict-on-efl-trophy-draw-against-milton-keynes/

I was surprised at how negatively some Charlton fans reacted to the FA Cup draw against Norwich.  It's a home draw against a Premier League team and one we have some chance of beating.

Cook exit poses problems for Charlton

Johnnie Jackson says that preparations for tomorrow's match against Ipswich Town have been made trickier by the exit of manager Paul Cook: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-caretaker-boss-johnnie-jackson-gives-his-reaction-to-paul-cooks-ipswich-exit/

Cook went after the 0-0 FA Cup draw with Barrow.  The Tractors were hoping for a higher league place after splashing the cash in the summer.

It is not yet known who will be in caretaker charge.   Players can react to the departure of a manager in two ways.  They can become disoriented or they may feel relieved and have more freedom to express themselves.

Jason Pearce will be available for the game.  Johnnie Jackson also provides an update on other injuries: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-injury-update-club-captain-jason-pearce-set-to-be-available-for-ipswich-match/

6-0 win for 'ruthless' Charlton

Charlton were 'ruthless' in their 6-0 victory over Northampton Town in the FA Youth Cup according to the Under 18s coach of the Cobblers: https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/coach-goddard-still-proud-after-young-cobblers-are-well-beaten-by-charlton-in-fa-youth-cup-3482765

To the Londoners 2-0

Charlton progressed to the 3rd round of the FA Cup tonight with a 2-0 win over Gateshead.  A first half header was scored by Jayden Stockley from an excellent assist from Conor Washington.  A Ben Purrington shot was then deflected in by Stockley in the second half.

Gateshead played their part in the game, although not to the extent that the biased ITV4 commentary tried to suggest.   They had their opportunities, but lost their composure in front of goal.  Stephen Henderson had to make three saves in succession to keep them out ar the end of the match.

Deji Elerewe had an excellent game at centre half and was praised by Stockley afterwards.  DJ started well, but faded in the second half and was eventually substituted.

Johnnie Jackson was impressed with how Gateshead tried to play football: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/i-hope-they-go-up-jackson-heaps-praise-on-gutsy-gateshead-after-charlton-progress-in-fa-cup/

Jacko was relieved to get the win: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/johnnsie-jackson-relieved-as-charlton-edge-past-non-league-gateshead-in-the-fa-cup/

David versus Goliath?

Gateshead boss Mike Williamson reckons they are capable of beating anyone on the night: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gateshead-boss-mike-williamson-targets-22351277

Williamson played 150 times for Newcastle: https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/newcastle-mike-williamson-fa-cup-25593073

Washington wants contract talks

Conor Washington is hoping that contracts will start soon, presumably once the managerial question is settled: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-striker-hoping-for-contract-talks-early-in-2022/

We need to retain the Northern Ireland international.

He played up front

Andy Hunt recalls his time at Charlton which he says was a really well-run club.  He is now back in football 'big time': https://www.secretfootballer.com/p/exclusive-interview-andy-hunt?fbclid=IwAR3DjymkY2mvSYWmx5dEQG585X32x1nQRnhZtkAYPVNgceX7Iorc-zImtgQ

Of Curbs he says: 'I think he was an extremely professional manager and extremely approachable and even when I was having a rough time at the end of my career he was just great about it, he was really understanding.  He could well have gone on to take other jobs too, I don’t really know why he didn’t, who knows?'

Fan-led review would have saved Charlton from grief

There has been some push back from Premier League clubs against the fan-led review and the idea of an independent regulator, one dismissing it as a 'Maoist' idea.   The Charlton Dossier is clear that the proposals would have saved Charlton from the depredations of a succession of owners: https://thecharltondossier.com/the-fan-led-review-would-it-have-saved-charlton-from-grief/